Royal Excursion said its customer reach has grown to a point that makes the move attractive. Excursions Trailways travels throughout the U.S. and Canada from its locations in Ft. Wayne, Ind. and Ottawa, Ohio.

“With this transaction, our company now serves valued customers across Northern Indiana and Ohio, and we will be adding to our corps of professional drivers with new job openings,” owner and president Shannon Kaser said in a statement.

Founded in 2000 by Thomas Bazow and Pat O’Brian, two full-time teachers, Excursions Trailways has grown into a fleet of 20 buses from a single bus. The company serves corporate and group outings. Customers include semi-pro, collegiate and high-school athletic teams, church groups, students, and family-focused groups. Excursions Trailways is also certified by the U.S. Department of Defense and authorized to carry the men and women serving in the U.S. military, a distinction held by fewer than 10% of motorcoach companies nationally.

“We started our company more than 17 years ago with the goal of being the most reliable and well-run bus company in the industry,” said Bazow, Excursions Trailways’ CEO. “That focus continues and will carry on as we join Royal Excursion.”

Shannon Kaser, owner and president of Royal Excursion

Plans for Excursions Trailways include a gradual and full integration with Royal Excursion operations. All 64 employees of Excursions Trailways are expected to remain with the company, and additional hires are planned for the near future. Furthermore, both Bazow and O’Brian will stay onboard in executive positions.

“Tom and Pat have built an impressive company from the ground up,” said Ben Norris, managing partner of NEP, an equity sponsor of Royal Excursion. “Their business’ commitment to customer safety, satisfaction, and service fits perfectly with the model and operations that Shannon has also created from scratch with Royal Excursion.”

The world's No. 1 online marketplace and trader for professional chauffeured and chartered vehicles, including all types of motorcoaches, buses, vans, stretch limousines, sedans, SUVs, exotics, and classics. New and used vehicles are available from sellers across the nation.